Islanders' Schaefer matches rookie defenseman goal record in win over Leafs

New York defeats Toronto 5-3 in Peter DeBoer's first game as Islanders' head coach

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and puck represented through sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, creating a sense of motion and energy.A cubist interpretation of the high-energy hockey action between the Islanders and Maple Leafs, capturing the dynamic movements of the players and the intensity of the game.Elmont Today

Matthew Schaefer tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman, scoring his 23rd of the season to lead the New York Islanders to a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night. The win came in Peter DeBoer's debut as the Islanders' new head coach, as the team looks to secure a wild-card playoff spot.

Why it matters

Schaefer's record-tying performance is a bright spot for the Islanders, who have struggled late in the season but remain in contention for a postseason berth. The coaching change to DeBoer also signals the team's urgency to turn things around and make a playoff push.

The details

Schaefer's goal in the second period put the Islanders ahead 3-2, matching the mark set by Hall of Famer Brian Leetch in 1988-89. New York scored twice early in the first period to open the DeBoer era, with goals from Brayden Schenn and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. The Islanders' Ilya Sorokin made 13 saves, while the Leafs' Artur Akhtyamov stopped 39 shots.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • Schaefer's record-tying goal came midway through the second period.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

A rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders who tied the NHL record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in a season with 23.

Peter DeBoer

The new head coach of the New York Islanders, hired on Sunday after the team fired Patrick Roy amid a late-season slide.

Brian Leetch

A Hall of Fame defenseman who previously held the record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in a season with 23, set in 1988-89 with the New York Rangers.

Ilya Sorokin

The goaltender for the New York Islanders who made 13 saves in the win.

Artur Akhtyamov

The goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs who made 39 saves in the loss.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Matthew Schaefer tied the NHL record for goals by a rookie defenseman, and the Islanders defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3 on Thursday night in Peter DeBoer's first game as New York's coach.”

— Scott Charles, Author

What’s next

The Islanders will host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday as they continue their push for a wild-card playoff spot, trailing Ottawa by three points with three games left. The Maple Leafs will host the Florida Panthers on Saturday.

The takeaway

Schaefer's record-tying performance provides a much-needed boost for the Islanders, who are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive under new coach Peter DeBoer. The team's ability to capitalize on Schaefer's milestone and secure the win over a tough Maple Leafs squad could be a turning point in their late-season surge.